Opinion | Integrated water management
Unlocking the potential of integrated water management
Now is the time to shift the mindset on water management in communities to capture the many benefits collaboration brings.
Uniquely, water, or a lack of, is at the root of many societal challenges, including droughts, floods and pollution, which often exist side by side. It should be reassuring that they can also be addressed together, along with other environmental and social challenges, by taking an integrated water management (IWM) approach.
RICHARD BEHAN
IWM can improve water supply and quality, reduce flood impact, purify air, reduce urban heat and improve sense of place. For this to be achieved, greater collaboration, pooled funding and leadership are required,
Currently, water management in England is characterised as sophisticated but separated. It is also distinct from urban planning and public health.
There are no specific regulatory or legislative drivers to join up siloed functions and the Government’s Plan for Water recognises that the legal framework for water and floods has developed incrementally over time, leading to more than 15 different plans and frameworks. It is also necessary to implement Schedule 3 of the Flood & Water Management Act 2010 – sustainable drainage, along with better pollution management from highway runoff.
IWM promotes the coordinated development and management of water, land and related resources to maximise economic and social welfare equitably, while considering the economic factors influencing investment decisions.
IMPLEMENTING IWM
Early engagement and partnership working between water utilities, local authorities, river trusts and other relevant bodies, such as planning, highways and health, are essential for achieving holistic long term water management goals. Collaborative funding models are also needed to facilitate implementation and can deliver more for less through better benefit management and benefit stacking.
Shaping a bold long term vision for the management of water, while getting started immediately, is key. It breaks from a legacy of short term, reactive decision making.
WSP’s Copenhagen Cloud Burst IWM Plan shows the value that accrues in taking a long term approach to addressing challenges posed by intense rainfall events, while improving community resilience. It was developed in collaboration with 10 municipalities and infrastructure providers to protect Denmark’s capital from flooding caused by sudden intense rainfall.
The Copenhagen IWM is one of the most advanced cloud burst management plans in the world and is now being considered in other cities such as New York as climate change increases the frequency of rainfall events.
“Shaping a bold long term vision for the management of water, while getting started immediately, is keyIWM is dynamic but it can be complex, due to the number of stakeholders. It recognises that interaction between all players is needed to tackle catchment-based challenges.
Specialist knowledge of technology, infrastructure, SuDS and nature-based solutions is required to deliver IWM successfully and leverage improvements in biodiversity, recreation and urban resilience while addressing multiple water challenges.
It is time to stop talking about barriers and get started. When the next cloud burst happens, every improvement will count.
WSP has already started linking stakeholders to provide a plan that will deliver a sustainable water cycle for all. Join us for the next cycle of water management.
- Richard Behan is WSP associate director, water strategic advisory
- Published in association with
